Down & Out in Reno: SPCA of Northern Nevada Thrift Store

Still broke? Stretching that package of ramen until payday? It is usually during times of financial hardship that Opportunity decides to give you a chance to better your life. However, you need clothes for an interview. Your morale, after a year of looking for work, has been whittled down to the breaking point. Now the phone rings, and you are asked to come in for an interview. You need to walk in looking confident, poised, and perfect. That’s easy when you have a good job and some money. But now Opportunity is knocking, and you need to look the part. A suit would be helpful.

Previously, I wrote about Plato’s Closet, a nationwide, for profit franchise. The prices are for the budget minded, and it has a great selection of moderately trendy clothing for the impoverished, sartorially-minded person. But it does not have suits.

Thrift stores, which are what this series is mainly about, are generally considered stores that sell donated items, used or new, at low prices, and the proceeds go to a charity or cause. Plato’s Closet makes no claim to be anything other than a for-profit store. Others, like Savers, pretend to be a charity, but are also in it for the money (more on Savers in the next installment).

Approaching the building from Vine Street and 4th Street, the building looks like a relic from the 70s, orange clay roof tiles and tan-on-brown paint. When I entered the building, the 70s vibe continues with its tan walls and brown tiled floor.

I have shopped at the SPCA Thrift Store many times during my time in Reno. I live a few blocks from the building, and it’s a handy place to visit.

It has recently been undergoing renovations, with a glass display case for jewelry and collectibles now in the front. And its clothing sections have been reorganized. Like any thrift shop, however, it will take time to find what you are looking for.

The SPCA of Northern Nevada also has a large selection of used furniture.

I found a charcoal, two-piece wool men’s suit that looked great. The condition was like new and, at $10, I considered it a steal. But, like many thrift store shoppers, I put it back because it was the wrong size.

Men’s clothing runs from $1 to $3 for shirts, slacks, and jeans. A few special clothing items were marked higher. But a few dollars was the general price range.

I bought this book about running for 25 cents. There was a little wear on the top right corner, but the pages were clean and intact. A great deal! Now I just have to actually go running.

The SPCA Thrift Store has a good, sometimes excellent, collection of books for sale. I bought a book about running for 25 cents. Paperbacks are usually 25 cents, which is so cheap, I buy books there, read them, and then give them back. Hardcover books are usually $1. Some books are marked higher due to being a collectible or being of notable high quality. It also has DVDs and CDs for $2 each.

The profits from this thrift store go to a cause I am happy to support, the SPCA of Northern Nevada. The SPCA provides services for animals needing homes. Here’s how its described on its website:

“The SPCA, founded in 1998, is Reno’s original no-kill animal shelter. Our mission is to be an innovative regional leader in responsible treatment of homeless dogs and cats, primarily through their rescue and placement in forever loving homes and by promoting spaying and neutering to control pet overpopulation. We accomplish our mission with dedication to our core values and a lifetime commitment to our animals.”

Consider visiting the SPCA of Northern Nevada if you are looking for a pet. Oliver is 5 years old and needs a home. I would take this guy in a heartbeat, but I’m not allowed to have pets in my apartment.

Also, the SPCA of Northern Nevada is a local charity, so the profits generated by this store stay within the Reno community.

I’ve made many donations to this thrift store. The staff has been very friendly and conversational. They seem to truly appreciate my donations.

For more information about the SPCA of Northern Nevada, please follow the link below. If you are looking for a pet, its website is a great place to start. If you are looking for some great deals, stop by the SPCA of Northern Nevada Thrift Shop and give it a look.

If you have a larger donation, you can schedule the SPCA of Northern Nevada to pick up your donation.